Micronutrient deficiencies

The lack of five vitamins and minerals causes the most widespread impact on children. These are: Iodine, Vitamin A, Iron, Folic Acid and Zinc.

• Iodine deficiency in pregnancy is the most common cause of preventable mental retardation and brain damage - in 60 countries it is associated with a 10-15% lowering of average intellectual capacity.
• Vitamin A deficiency affects 40-60% of children under five in the developing world. It affects immune systems and causes a million deaths a year.
• Iron deficiency is the most widespread health problem in the world, impairing normal mental development in 40-60% of infants in the developing world. In the worst affected countries it can account for lost productivity of up to 2% of GDP.
• Folate deficiency is responsible for 200,000 severe birth defects every year in developing countries.
• Zinc deficiency is often associated with severely malnourished children or those with persistent diarrhea or respiratory problems. Studies of people receiving zinc supplements have shown a decrease in rates of infection, especially reduced rates of respiratory infections. There is reduced incidence of diarrhea among children receiving zinc supplements.

Other micronutrients such as Phosphorous, Fluorine, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin E are also important parts of a healthy diet.

Source: Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)

Calcium
Calcium is vital for the growth and strength of human bones, especially important for children. Milk and other dairy products are excellent sources of calcium since they also contain Vitamin D which is necessary for the body to be able to absorb calcium.